Ocean's 8 - Daniel Pemberton

6/14/18

What You Will Hear: Synthesizer, Vegas big band mixed with a 70’s P.I. soundscape. Featuring keyboards, guitars, and the drum set mixed (appropriately) high.

Standout Tracks: NYC Larceny, We Are Going To Rob It, Taking Out The Trash, Deborah Ocean, Brooklyn Necklace, Moog Necklace​Will You Be Humming Along? Each track has a catchy hook, but no unifying theme exists. Deborah Ocean’s theme is particularly catchy (especially when that bari sax joins in).

Deborah Ocean

The album this makes me want to dust off: Mr. & Mrs. Smith – John Powell

As I’m Listening, I’m Thinking:

When compared to David Holmes’ work, Pemberton’s writing has a Latin feel to it. (see: NYC Larceny) At the same time, he does a good job of living within the expectations of an Ocean’s movie. (see: We Are Going To Rob It)

I appreciate the use of an acoustic upright bass on a lot of the cues. It really helps to ground the synthesizer.

With a lot of Blues used, the chords are predictably simple. But, Pemberton uses a lot of fun instrumentations and colors to keep things interesting. Every time I got bored, something new came along to hold my attention. (see: bells and chimes on Brooklyn Necklace)

The Fugue in D minor was a distraction. Not sure it really fits in with the album experience. Hope it works on screen.

People had a lot of fun recording this, and I hate them for not inviting me.

Will I Come Back To It? When I’m in the mood for this type of groove, Ocean’s 8 will be one of my first stops. I never spent much time with the three original scores because it all tended to blend into itself. Pemberton’s take on the this franchise keeps things interesting with that Latin touch, and unpredictable instrumentation (in a very predictable setting). This version is just more fun, but as hip as it needs to be.